Odyssey From Athens to Venice

Welcome to your exciting adventure through Greece and beyond. Upon your arrival in Athens, we will handle your transfer to the hotel, allowing you ample free time to settle in and begin exploring at your own pace. In the afternoon, be sure to check the hotel reception for information regarding the start of your tour. Athens, a vibrant city steeped in history and culture, awaits your discovery. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

On our second day in Athens, we will embark on a guided city tour, exploring some of the city's most iconic landmarks. Our journey begins with a visit to the Presidential Mansion, offering a glimpse into Greece's political heritage. We�ll then marvel at the Panathenaic Stadium, site of the inaugural modern Olympic Games. Continuing on, we'll admire the impressive architecture of the National Library and discover the lively atmosphere of Athens' central squares. As we traverse through the city, we�ll also see the vibrant neighbourhoods that emerged following the 2004 Olympic Games. The tour concludes at the Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its historical and cultural significance�please note that admission is not included. Later in the evening, we'll head to the historic Plaka district, where we invite you to experience the charm of traditional Greek tavernas and immerse yourself in the local folklore. This vibrant area is perfect for an evening of exploration and cultural appreciation.

On the third day of our journey, we set out early from Athens, heading north through the striking landscapes of Greece. Our first stop will be at the quaint seaside town of Kamena Vourla, where its scenic beauty offers a refreshing pause. Continuing our journey, we arrive at the historic Thermopylae Mountain Pass, famed for its ancient battle between the Greeks and Persians. From here, we proceed to the charming village of Kastraki, nestled in a valley where panoramic views provide a perfect backdrop for your lunchtime relaxation.After enjoying some free time for lunch in Kastraki, we will explore the awe-inspiring Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its extraordinary rock formations and centuries-old monasteries. Admission is included to one of these remarkable monasteries, allowing you to delve into its rich history and marvel at the stunning architecture. Our day concludes in Kalambaka, where we will indulge in a delectable dinner, encapsulating a day full of cultural richness and natural splendour.

As we travel through the scenic landscapes of northern Greece today, we'll journey towards the Aegean Sea. Our first stop is in Thessaloniki, Greece�s second-largest city, known for its rich history and vibrant culture. Here, you�ll have time to explore and enjoy lunch at your leisure. Following this, we�ll cross the border into Bulgaria, arriving in the picturesque town of Melnik. Renowned for its wine production and set amidst stunning natural landscapes, Melnik offers a unique cultural experience. Our day concludes in Sandanski, a charming spa town thought to be the birthplace of Spartacus. Dinner is included, providing a perfect opportunity to unwind and reflect on the day's adventures.

On our fifth day, we will explore the wonders of Bulgaria, beginning with a visit to the magnificent Rila Monastery. Nestled amidst lush forest, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is celebrated for its impressive fortress-like structure and stunning surroundings. We�ll then travel to Sofia, arriving by late morning. After enjoying some lunch, we�ll embark on a guided tour of Bulgaria's vibrant capital. During this tour, we�ll discover the architectural beauty of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Russian Church, and traces of the city�s storied past at the local mosque. The city�s squares and broad avenues, showcasing Stalinist architecture, are sure to intrigue you. Following the tour, you will have the afternoon free to delve into the city�s unique atmosphere at your own pace.

We�ll begin our day by visiting Bachkovo Monastery, Bulgaria�s second most significant monastery, founded in the eleventh century. This site offers a tranquil atmosphere with its collection of three churches. Following our time at the monastery, we'll continue to Plovdiv, where lunch is provided. In Plovdiv, one of Europe's oldest continuously inhabited cities, we�ll embark on a tour that includes the Roman Amphitheatre, the Old Pharmacy, and the Armenian House.

Today, we journey through the captivating landscapes of the Balkan Mountains. Our first stop is Kazanlak in the Rose Valley, where you'll have the opportunity to explore a replica of the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region is famed for its production of rose-based products, offering a fascinating insight into local traditions. Next, we'll venture deeper into the mountains to visit the Shipka Memorial Church, a monument commemorating the Russo-Turkish War. We'll continue to Etar, a picturesque village that also serves as an open-air ethnographic museum, where you'll experience traditional Bulgarian culture. After a hearty lunch, included in the tour, we proceed to Arbanasi, an ancient trading town known for its fortress-like houses. Here, we'll visit the Nativity Church, with admission included. The day concludes in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria's former capital, renowned for its stunning medieval centre nestled alongside a river canyon. Note that if timing necessitates, our exploration of Arbanasi may occur on Sunday morning instead.

Today, we journey northward, departing from Veliko Tarnovo as we make our way to Romania. Our first stop is the fascinating Basarbovo Monastery, a unique pilgrimage site carved directly into the rock. After delving into its serene atmosphere, we continue our travels, crossing the border and the mighty Danube River. We�ll reach Bucharest around 1:00 p.m., allowing us ample time in the afternoon for a panoramic tour of Romania�s capital. Discover the city�s rich history as we explore its historic centre and marvel at the grandeur of the Palace of Parliament. Following the afternoon tour, you'll have the rest of the day free to explore Bucharest at your leisure. The day concludes with an included dinner, offering a chance to reflect on the day's discoveries and experiences.

We begin our adventure today by journeying into the captivating region of Transylvania, traversing the scenic Carpathian Mountains and lush, verdant forests. Our initial stop is in Sinaia, where we�ll take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful gardens surrounding the Peles and Pelisor Castles, two architectural gems nestled in this picturesque mountain town. Continuing our adventure, we arrive at the 14th-century Bran Fortress, famously associated with the Dracula legend�your entry ticket is included. Following some free time for lunch, our travels take us to Sighisoara, an enchanting walled medieval city that boasts UNESCO World Heritage status. As night falls, we�ll savour a special dinner at the unique Count Dracula's Restaurant, located in the house where Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Dracula, was born.

Today in Transylvania, we'll delve into history by visiting one of the region's notable fortified churches in Biertan, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site � tickets are on us. From there, we'll journey to Sibiu, a place with both economic and cultural significance. Once the capital of Transylvania, Sibiu invites you to wander its vibrant narrow streets and scenic squares, with time for lunch at your leisure.In the afternoon, our travels continue to the renowned Hunedoara Castle. Known as Romania's most beautiful castle, admission is included, allowing us to appreciate its impressive architecture. As the day winds down, we'll press on to Timisoara. There, you'll find the elegant central squares perfect for an evening stroll, inviting you to explore this lively city at your own pace.

We will set off for Serbia, crossing the border and travelling approximately three hours to reach Belgrade. This vivacious capital, beautifully situated at the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers, awaits our exploration. Our panoramic city tour will take us through the lively city centre to view the parliament, and we will wander through the historic Kalemegdan Fortress. Our itinerary includes a visit to the Museum of Yugoslavia, where you'll find Tito's Mausoleum, enriching your understanding of the region's complex history. You'll have the afternoon at leisure to delve further into Belgrade's vibrant culture and ambiance on your own.

Today, we set off on an exploration through the captivating Vojvodina region. Our first stop is Sremska Mitrovica, a city of historical significance nestled along the banks of the Sava River. Once an important city within the Roman Empire, it served as the capital of the province of Pannonia. We include a visit to the Imperial Palace grounds of Sirmium to delve into this intriguing past. As we cross into Bosnia, we pause at Zvornik, one of the country's most ancient cities, situated on the river that marks the border with Serbia. This area carries the solemn memory of the Bosnian war, particularly the tragedy of Srebrenica. After some time for lunch and a walk, we resume our journey, travelling through stunning landscapes en route to Sarajevo. Our evening arrives in the city's historic centre, where you have the chance to wander through the bustling bazaar. This vibrant market, a testament to Ottoman architecture and atmosphere, is filled with traditional shops offering unique wares. Dinner is included to conclude the day.

In the morning, we begin with a guided tour of Sarajevo, a captivating city renowned as the "Jerusalem of Europe" for its harmonious blend of religions. Here, mosques, churches, and synagogues coexist, reflecting the area's rich cultural tapestry. We will explore the old town, where the influence of the Ottoman Empire remains apparent, highlighted by a mosque over 500 years old and a stunning fountain. Following this, we venture through breathtaking landscapes to Mostar. The city's charming historic centre is distinguished by its iconic stone bridge, which elegantly divides the Orthodox, Muslim, and Catholic communities. You will have time to explore and enjoy lunch amidst the captivating scenery. Our journey continues across the border into Croatia. Although border formalities may take some time, we aim to arrive in Dubrovnik by evening. Dinner will be included.

In the morning, we will embark on a panoramic tour of Dubrovnik, expertly guided to reveal the beauty of one of Europe's most stunning cities. Perched on a cliff and surrounded by ancient walls, this Adriatic gem boasts an impeccably preserved historic centre celebrated for its world-class architectural heritage. We'll ascend to a spectacular viewpoint along the road, providing a breathtaking panorama of the city. Our tour includes visits to the Franciscan Monastery with its historic pharmacy, the oldest in Europe, and the impressive Assumption Cathedral. A highlight of the day will be a boat trip to Lokrum, a quaint island situated just 15 minutes away, known for its eleventh-century Benedictine monastery�an iconic setting from the popular series Game of Thrones. You will then have leisure time to further explore Dubrovnik's rich cultural tapestry at your own pace. By the late afternoon, we will return to the hotel, and dinner will be included. Please note that on certain occasions, accommodation might be in Cavtat, a picturesque coastal town near Dubrovnik. Also, from November to March, the boat service to Lokrum is unavailable, and the island visit will be omitted during these months.

We'll embark on a morning journey along the breathtaking Croatian coastline, renowned for its stunning sea vistas and scattered islands. Our first stop will be Ston, a charming town famous for its extensive walls, among the longest in the world. Continuing our scenic route, we'll cross the impressive Pelje�ac Bridge that spans the azure waters. Upon arriving in Split by midday, we'll be guided on an enlightening tour of the city, during which we'll visit the remarkable Diocletian�s Palace. This expansive Roman palace boasts intricate mazes of alleyways set against a backdrop of striking sea views. Dinner will be provided to conclude our day.

We'll journey into Croatia's scenic interior, traversing beautiful, hilly landscapes to reach Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you'll have the opportunity to marvel at the park's stunning lakes and cascading waterfalls. Enjoy walking along the picturesque trails or opt for a boat ride on the serene lake waters � the tickets are included for either a boat or train ride. After our time in Plitvice, we'll savour lunch before continuing our journey back to the coast, heading northwards. Upon arrival in Opatija, a charming seaside resort known for its wonderful ambiance, you'll enjoy an included dinner and unwind in your accommodation. Note that adverse weather conditions or high visitor numbers may occasionally affect the availability of train or boat services in Plitvice.

Today, we venture into Slovenia with our first destination being the Postojna Cave, one of the largest cave systems in the world. This remarkable natural wonder will be partially explored by train, offering you an unforgettable subterranean experience. Following this, we head to Bled, renowned for its picturesque setting by the enchanting Lake Bled. Here, we'll enjoy a boat trip to the island that hosts a monastery with a distinctive bell tower and a grand medieval castle towering above. Afterwards, we'll continue to Ljubljana, Slovenia's charming capital, where a guided tour will introduce you to its rich history and cultural treasures. Dinner will be provided as we wrap up an inspiring day in this captivating region.

On Day 18, you will have free time in the morning to explore the delightful centre of Ljubljana, Slovenia's charming capital. Feel free to roam its picturesque streets, relax at a caf�, or visit some of its quaint shops. By afternoon, we will embark on our journey towards the Adriatic Sea, crossing the border into Italy. We anticipate arriving in Venice in the evening, where we will be staying in the Mestre district. This offers a convenient base to prepare for your exploration of Venice and its renowned waterways.

In the morning, we will take a boat transfer to Venice, a unique city built on more than 100 islands and linked by over 400 bridges. Our boat will bring us to the St. Mark's area, from where we will embark on a guided walking tour through the mesmerising city of canals. This organised tour will introduce us to Venice's iconic landmarks and marvels. Following the tour, you will have free time to further explore this enchanting city at your own pace. In the afternoon, you might choose to experience an optional gondola ride along the serene canals, adding a classic Venetian touch to your day.

On our final day in Venice, enjoy a leisurely breakfast as you reflect on the experiences from your journey. Our tour comes to a close, but you leave with a wealth of memories from the diverse cultures and stunning landscapes encountered along the way. Safe travels for the remainder of your adventures.